WC 2023 Qualifiers Highlights: The Netherlands claim a comfortable seven-wicket win over Nepal with 23 overs to spare. With Max ODowd and Logan van Beek starring with the bat and ball, respectively. The West Indies, on the other hand, failed to chase the target of 269 set by Zimbabwe. With this 35-run win, Zimbabwe now moves into the top spot in Group A. They now have a chance to finish the World Cup 2023 Qualifiers undefeated, with just their last match slated to be played against the USA on June 26.
Zimbabwe vs West Indies
Zimbabwe’s top order wasn’t up to the mark against the Windies and lost their first four wickets at the 112-run mark. Last match’s hero and fastest-ever centurion for Zimbabwe, Sikandar Raza, along with Ryan Burl, took their side to a respectable total of 268. The all-rounders made 68 (58) and 50 (57), respectively.
The Windies started the chase well but kept losing wickets at regular intervals. The Zimbabwean spearhead duo of Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani provided their side with an opening by claiming the opening two wickets. Spinners Wellington Masakadza and Sikandar Raza sent Kyle Mayers and captain Shai Hope back to the pavilion in the middle overs.
Pooran and Chase took the game on but couldn’t convert their starts. After being quiet for the first half, Tendai Chatara came in steaming and took three of the last four wickets, including the key wickets of all-rounders Roston Chase and Jason Holder.
Sikandar Raza was awarded his second straight Man of the Match award for his 68 runs and the two prized wickets of Shai Hope and Keemo Paul.
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Playing XIs
Zimbabwe: Craig Ervine (c), Joylord Gumbie, Wessly Madhevere, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Clive Madande (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Tendai Chatara
West Indies: Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Johnson Charles, Shai Hope (c & wk), Nicholas Pooran, Roston Chase, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Odean Smith, Alzarri Joseph
Netherlands vs Nepal
Nepal proved no match for the Netherlands, as the men in orange claimed a commanding seven-wicket win with 23 overs to spare. Opener Max ODowd led the charge for the Netherlands, making 90 off just 75 balls. ODowd made more than half of the 168-run chase total and was awarded the man of the match award for his incredible batting display.
With the ball, Logan van Beek started for the Dutch, taking a career-best figures of four wickets for 23 runs in his 9.3 overs. Van Beek ended the first inning with the wicket of Sandeep Lamichhane.
Playing XIs
Netherlands: Vikramjit Singh, Max ODowd, Wesley Barresi, Scott Edwards (c & wk), Bas de Leede, Teja Nidamanuru, Shariz Ahmad, Logan van Beek, Clayton Floyd, Ryan Klein, Aryan Dutt
Nepal: Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (wk), Bhim Sharki, Rohit Paudel (c), Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Aarif Sheikh, Gulsan Jha, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi
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